Alden Park Neighborhood Watch

In memory of Sandra...

2009-04-08T20:05:00.001-07:00

In the wake of the tragic news of the murder of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu on Tuesday, we provide the following tips on how to keep your children safe:

5 Steps to Protecting our Children:
Preventing, Recognizing, and Reacting Responsibly to Child Sexual Abuse -- A Guide for Responsible Adults

What is child sexual abuse?

Any sexual act between an adult and a minor or between two minors when one exerts power over the other. Forcing, coercing or persuading a child to engage in any type of sexual act. This, of course, includes sexual contact. It also includes non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, voyeurism and communicating in a sexual manner by phone or Internet. An agonizing and traumatic experience for its victims. A crime punishable by law.

Step 1: Learn the Facts
Learn the facts and understand the risks. Realities - not trust - should influence your decisions regarding children.

"We live in a beautiful, safe neighborhood. None of these children could be victims of sexual abuse, right?"

It is highly likely that you know a child who has been or is being abused. Experts estimate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthdays. This means that in any classroom or neighborhood full of children, there are children who are silently bearing the burden of sexual abuse. 1 in 5 children are sexually solicited while on the Internet.

Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under. The median age for reported sexual abuse is 9 years old. Approximately 20% of the victims of sexual abuse are under age eight. 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are under age twelve. Most child victims never report the abuse. Sexually abused children who keep it a secret or who "tell" and are not believed are at greater risk than the general population for psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems, often lasting into adulthood. It is also likely that you know an abuser. The greatest risk to children doesn't come from strangers but from friends and family.

30-40% of children are abused by family members. As many as 60% are abused by people the family trusts- abusers frequently try to form a trusting relationship with parents. Nearly 40% are abused by older or larger children. People who abuse children look and act just like every one else. In fact, they often go out of their way to appear trustworthy to gain access to children. Those who sexually abuse children are drawn to settings where they can gain easy access to children, such as sports leagues, faith centers, clubs, and schools.

“It can't happen in my family. I could tell if someone I know is an abuser.”

Yet in more than 90% of sexual abuse cases the child and the child's family know and trust the abuser. Consequences to children and to our society begin immediately. Child sexual abuse is a direct source of a number of problems facing us. Consequences to children and to our society begin immediately. Child sexual abuse is a direct source of a number of problems facing us.

70-80% of sexual abuse survivors report excessive drug and alcohol use. One study showed that among male survivors, 50% have suicidal thoughts and more than 20% attempt suicide. Young girls who are sexually abused are more likely to develop eating disorders as adolescents. More than 60% of teen first pregnancies are preceded by experiences of molestation, rape or attempted rape. The average age of the offenders is 27 years old.

Approximately 40% of sex offenders report sexual abuse as children. Both males and females who have been sexually abused are more likely to engage in prostitution. Approximately 70% of sexual offenders of children have between 1 and 9 victims; 20-25% have 10 to 40 victims. Serial child molesters may have as many as 400 victims in their lifetimes.

Step 2: Minimize Opportunity
If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you'll dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for children.

"An organization in my community has programs for children, but puts no limits on one-adult/one-child situations. Should I be concerned?"

More than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in one-adult/one-child situations.Reduce the risk. Protect children. Understand that abusers often become friendly with potential victims and their families, enjoying family activities, earning trust, and gaining time alone with children. Think carefully about the safety of any one-adult/one-child situations. Choose group situations when possible. Think carefully about the safety of situations in which older youth have access to younger children. Make sure that multiple adults are present who can supervise. Set an example by personally avoiding one-adult/one-child situations with children other than your own.

Monitor children's Internet use. Offenders use the Internet to lure children into physical contact.
Reduce the risk. Insist on policy. Create and lobby for policies reducing or eliminating one-adult/one-child situations in all youth-serving organizations, such as faith groups, sports teams, and school clubs. These policies should ensure that all activities can be interrupted and observed.
Talk with program administrators about the supervision of older youth who have responsibility for the care of children. Insist on screenings that include criminal background checks, personal interviews, and professional recommendations for all adults who serve children. Avoid programs that do not use ALL of these methods. Insist that youth-serving organizations train their staff and volunteers to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Ensure that youth-serving organizations have policies for dealing with suspicious situations and reports of abuse.

One-on-one time with a trusted adult is healthy and valuable for a child. It builds self-esteem and deepens relationships. There are things you can do to protect children when you want them to have time alone with another adult. Drop in unexpectedly when the child is alone with any adult, even trusted family members. Make sure outings are observable, if not by you, then by others. Ask the adult about the specifics of the planned activities before the child leaves your care. Notice the adult's ability to be specific.

Talk with the child when he or she returns. Notice the child's mood and whether the child can tell you with confidence how the time was spent. Find a way to tell the adults who care for children that you and the child are educated about child sexual abuse. Be that direct.

Step 3: Talk about it
Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it.

“My daughter tells me everything. I know she would tell me if someone molested her.”

Understand why children are afraid to "tell." The abuser shames the child, points out that the child let it happen, or tells the child that his or her parents will be angry. The abuser is often manipulative and may try to confuse the child about what is right and wrong. The abuser sometimes threatens the child or a family member.

Some children who do not initially disclose abuse are ashamed to tell when it happens again. Children are afraid of disappointing their parents and disrupting the family. Some children are too young to understand.

Many abusers tell children the abuse is "okay" or a "game."

Know how children communicate. Children who disclose sexual abuse often tell a trusted adult other than a parent. For this reason, training for people who work with children is especially important. Children may tell "parts" of what happened or pretend it happened to someone else to gauge adult reaction. Children will often "shut down" and refuse to tell more if you respond emotionally or negatively.

Talk openly with your child. Good communication may decrease a child's vulnerability to sexual abuse and increase the likelihood that the child will tell you if abuse has occurred. Teach your children about their bodies, about what abuse is, and, when age-appropriate, about sex. Teach them words that help them discuss sex comfortably with you. Model caring for your own body, and teach children how to care for theirs.

Teach children that it is "against the rules" for adults to act in a sexual way with them and use examples. Teach them what parts of their bodies others should not touch. Be sure to mention that the abuser might be an adult friend, family member, or older youth.

Teach children not to give out their email addresses, home addresses, or phone numbers while using the Internet. Start early and talk often. Use everyday opportunities to talk about sexual abuse. Be proactive. If a child seems uncomfortable, or resistant to being with a particular adult, ask why.

One survey showed that fewer than 30% of parents ever discussed sexual abuse with their children. And even then, most failed to mention that the abuser might be an adult friend or family member. Talk to other adults about child sexual abuse.

Support and mutual learning occur when you share with another adult. You raise the consciousness of your community and influence their choices about child safety. You may be offering support and information to an adult whose child is experiencing abuse, and may not know what to do. You put potential abusers on notice that you are paying attention.

Step 4: Stay Alert
Don't expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs are often there but you've got to spot them.

"Is my son's withdrawal due to preteen angst or is he being sexually abused?"

Learn the signs. Physical signs of sexual abuse are not common, although redness, rashes or swelling in the genital area, urinary tract infections, or other such symptoms should be carefully investigated. Also, physical problems associated with anxiety, such as chronic stomach pain or headaches, may occur. Emotional or behavioral signals are more common. These can run from "too perfect" behavior, to withdrawal and depression, to unexplained anger and rebellion.

Sexual behavior and language that are not age-appropriate can be a red flag. Be aware that in some children there are no signs whatsoever. If you find physical signs that you suspect are sexual abuse, have the child physically examined immediately by a professional who specializes in child sexual abuse.

Step 5: Make a Plan

Learn where to go, whom to call, and how to react.

"My 11-year-old daughter said her step-father sneaks into her room at night. Then she said she made it up. Now she won't say anything. I don't know what to do."

Don't overreact. If a child breaks an arm or runs a high fever, you know to stay calm and where to seek help because you've mentally prepared yourself. Reacting to child sexual abuse is the same. Your reactions have a powerful influence on vulnerable children. When you react to disclosure with anger or disbelief, the response is often:

-- The child shuts down.

-- The child changes his or her story in the face of your anger and disbelief, when, in fact, abuse is actually occurring.

-- The child changes the account around your questions so future tellings appear to be "coached." This can be very harmful if the case goes to court.

-- The child feels even guiltier.

Very few reported incidents are false. Offer support. Think through your response before you suspect abuse. You'll be able to respond in a more supportive manner. Believe the child and make sure the child knows it. Thank the child for telling you and praise the child's courage.

Encourage the child to talk but don't ask leading questions about details. Asking about details can alter the child's memory of events. I f you must ask questions to keep the child talking, ask open-ended ones like "what happened next?"

Seek the help of a professional who is trained to interview the child about sexual abuse. Professional guidance could be critical to the child's healing and to any criminal prosecution. Assure the child that it's your responsibility to protect him or her and that you'll do all you can. Report or take action in all cases of suspected abuse, both inside and outside the immediate family.

Don't panic. Sexually abused children who receive support and psychological help can and do heal.

For more information, contact Irene T. Rose, Crime Prevention Officer, (209) 831-6581.

Have you seen 8-year-old Sandra Cantu?

2009-03-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sandra Cantu, an 8-year-old girl from Tracy, has been missing since Friday night, March 27, 2009.

Sandra is 4 feet tall and weighs 45 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a pink Hello Kitty T-shirt and black leggings. She was reported missing at 7:53 p.m. Friday, and a search was started 15 minutes later.

The Tracy Police Department has set up a mobile command post on West Clover Road as a helicopter searches the area. Sandra was supposed to be at a friend's house in the Orchard Estates mobile home park where she lives, but she wasn't found there. Police searched all night.

The FBI, California Highway Patrol, San Joaquin Sheriff's Office, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office, Tracy Volunteers in Police Services, Tracy Community Emergency Response Team, Tracy Fire Department and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are helping in the investigation.

Anyone with information that would be helpful in the investigation is asked to call the Tracy police at 831-4550 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Sandra is a Jacobson Elementary School second-grader. The search for her hasn't let up. "We're turning over everything we can," Sgt. Tony Sheneman said during a 5 p.m. press conference. "We'll keep going until we find out she's safe."

The eight-year-old is the daughter of Maria Chavez and Danny Cantu. Sgt. Sheneman said there are no indications that the girl has been harmed. Registered sexual offenders who live in the area have been interviewed, and surveillance cameras at the nearby hotels show nothing suspicious.

Danny Cantu, Sandra's father, is believed to be in Mexico, and Sheneman said he isn't considered a kidnapping suspect. "The mother said he hasn't been involved in the family for a long time," he said.

The Tracy CERT team will be coordinating volunteers to help in the search. We will be at the Fire Admin Bldg on Central Ave beginning at 8am on Sunday. These volunteers will be going door to door, handing out fliers. Again, anyone who has information that would be helpful in finding Sandra is asked to call the police department at 831-4550 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

It's my right

2008-11-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Many times, a person's opinion about a particular subject can be shaped or changed when the issue hits close to home. In an effort to put a more personal spin on an upcoming California ballot initiative, you should know that support of Proposition 8 would directly hurt several people in your own community.

I'm one of those people, the neighbor who has worked hard and given my own time and money to help keep you and your families safe, to make our community a better and safer place to live.

Proposition 8 would take away my fundamental civil rights and would legitimize discrimination in the California constitution.

I believe that everyone in the Alden Park area should be treated with dignity and respect and that each of us should be afforded the same civil rights, regardless of age, gender, faith, race, or political belief. Don't you?

I also feel that because of this, it is my duty to urge you to vote NO on Prop. 8.

As the volunteer who created and maintains this website, it is my right to do so on this blog. Some of you may not agree. Deal with it.

In memoriam...

2008-09-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

More than 30 residents of the Alden Park community came out at 8:00pm tonight to remember and honor the life of Steven Klent.

We were joined by Steve's father Jim, his mother Alice, and his sister Suzanne, and together we took the next steps in healing our hearts and our lives, following Steve's death on September 9, 2007.

Rest in peace, Steve. Your life made a difference.

__________________________________

To read the article in The Tracy Press on our event and the life and troubled times of Steven Klent, click here.

Later Sunday afternoon...

2008-09-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Officer Rose responds:

I received this e-mail and was unhappy you were not told what we can do. The dispatcher was right; it doesn't have any evidential value at this point, but we can put a "72 hour" notice on the vehicle, and if it isn't moved in that time period, it will be towed.

You are very right we are in this together, and I am here to help where ever I can. Please call me anytime you have a question.

Your Crime Prevention Officer,
Irene T. Rose

Drive-by shooting in our neighborhood?!

2008-09-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else seen the black Acura Legend automobile, California license place 2PRM997, parked on Beechnut Avenue at the corner of Sequoia Boulevard?

I suppose you can't miss it, with the back window smashed out and the series of BULLET HOLES along the driver's side. The car was reported to the Tracy Police Department last night, with a promise from them to call back, but no call came. (Some of you would say, "As usual...") Another call to the police this morning confirmed that the car has apparently been sitting there FOR OVER A WEEK in its current condition, and it may have been shot up as it sat at the curb!

One would think that such a vehicle would be impounded as part of a crime scene investigation, but apparently, that's not happening. In fact, because the vehicle may still be operational, it's not considered "abandoned," and it can sit at the curb forever.

"It's up to the owner to get it repaired," noted the person who answered the Tracy Police non-emergency line (which is 831-4550, by the way). "If it's not an abandoned car, there's nothing we can do about it."

REALLY?!

So, a bullet-riddled eyesore on a street in YOUR neighborhood would be allowed to sit there, announcing the entrance to Gang Land? Haven't property values in our community dropped enough?

Now, be clear, I hope to God that no one was in the vehicle and seriously injured when some ________ decided to fire off several rounds at the car. I also understand that the registered owner of the vehicle lives here in our neighborhood, so they're one of our own.

But something has to be done about this. If anyone one knows who owns this car, let's get together and see if there's anything we can do to help. Does a family in our neighborhood need support or, at worst, our condolences? At the least, I'd be willing to pitch in and buy a car cover so we can make the car less conspicuous while the owner decides if he's going to get it repaired. Or I'll pay part of the towing charge if he's going to junk it.

We need to remember that we're all in this together. Please help do your part. And while you're at it, call the Tracy Police and the Mayor's office to tell them that "doing nothing" is not an option.

Nearly one year later...

2008-08-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

On September 9, 2007, Steven Klent was found murdered in Alden Park.

Less than a week later, on September 13th, more than 150 residents came together to take back their park and their community, making the first steps to form our Neighborhood Watch.

In the nearly one year since, we've reached out to our neighbors, made new friends, and seen significant progress in reducing crime in our community. We have a lot to be proud of.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, however, we'd like to take a moment to pay tribute to event that started it all.

Please join us in Alden Park at 8:00pm that evening for a Candlelight Vigil in memory of Steven Klent.

Bring a candle, and help us light up the night.

National Night Out, August 5, 2008

2008-08-23T11:21:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, August 5th was "National Night Out," the one night each year that thousands of communities across the country send a message to would-be criminals to let them know that we’re organized, we’re watching out for each other, and we’re fighting back!

It was our Neighborhood Watch’s first year participating in this important event, under the theme of “Caring for Our Community,” and many people attended.

With more than a dozen representatives from the Tracy Police Department along with the Mayor's wife, Lynda, neighbors in the Alden Park area came together to celebrate our success in reducing crime and creating a greater sense of community. People gave of themselves by participating in a potluck dinner and bringing canned goods and clothing for the local shelters.

In all, it was a great success. We hope to see you at our next event and throughout the year. Keep up the good work!

Winds of Change

2008-04-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in the Alden Park Community Garage Sale on Saturday, April 19th. Here are a few pictures of neighbors selling their wares along Sequoia Boulevard, from 8:00am til 1:00pm.

And thanks to those who braved the high winds later that afternoon to attend our first Neighborhood Watch meeting of the year.

Didn't make it to the meeting after the Garage Sale? Well, here are a few highlights of what you missed...

Officer Irene Rose reported on the success of our Neighborhood Watch program since it began last fall, following the death of Steven Klent on September 9, 2007. She shared some very specific crime statistics for our community, for the eight months before we began looking out for each other, and in the eight months since. Take a look:

Incidents of THEFT 1/1/07 - 9/1/07 = 9

After our Neighborhood Watch, 9/1/07 to present =2

Incidents of BURGLARY 1/1/07 - 9/1/07 = 17
After our Neighborhood Watch, 9/1/07 to present = 1

Incidents of VANDALISM 1/1/07 - 9/1/07 = 13
After our Neighborhood Watch, 9/1/07 to present = 5

Incidents of VEHICLE THEFT /1/07 - 9/1/07 = 5
After our Neighborhood Watch, 9/1/07 to present = 1

Mayor Brent Ives was also on hand to congratulate all the members of our community for having such a dramatic and positive effect on reducing crime in our neighborhood. Representatives from City Code Enforcement also passed out magnets with the Hotline number for reporting violations of the Tracy City Code. It's (209) 831-4646. The Office of Code Enforcement can be reached at (209) 831-6410.

In a brief update on the Steven Klent murder, Officer Rose noted that the case was still open and that community involvement would be key to solving the crime. "What you might remember about that day might not seem like much," she said, "but it could fit together with other pieces of the puzzle and add up to solving that terrible crime." She reiterated that anyone with any information, however small or seemingly insignificant, should contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 831-6847.

In the news...

2008-04-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

The resilience of our community has made headlines today in our local newspaper, The Tracy Press. Be sure to pick up a copy before they sell out!

And check out the pictures of our local celebrity, Elia Yniguez, of Sequoia Boulevard. A 36-year resident of our neighborhood, Elia and her dog, Dinky, posed for the paper then trouped over to the park with her daughter, Vicky, and two grandchildren.

Don't forget to clean out your closets and get ready for next Saturday's community garage sale. Following the sale, we'll have our first Neighborhood Watch meeting of the year, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in Alden Park. See you there!

Time for Spring Cleaning and a Neighborhood Watch Meeting!

2008-03-24T22:15:00.001-07:00

The holidays are over, and most of the rain has gone away, so let’s get together for our first Neighborhood Watch meeting of the New Year!

Mark your calendars now, and get ready to come together on Saturday, April 19, 2008.

We'll be coordinating our meeting on the same day as the City of Tracy's "3rd Annual City-Wide (West Side) Garage Sale." As we did last October, the Alden Park Neighborhood Watch will register our entire community for the event, so we’ll be listed on the City’s “Garage Sale Map” published in advance. Individuals can also register their specific home address by calling (209) 831-4331, requesting an application, and mailing it back by April 3rd, or by sending an email to jennifer.cariglio@ci.tracy.ca.us.

The Garage Sale will be held from 8:00am – 1:00pm, but this time, neighbors are encouraged to “set up shop” in their front yards or garages so you don’t have to haul your stuff to the park. As before, a suggested $2.00 donation can be made at 732 Sequoia Boulevard so we can continue to cover expenses related to the Neighborhood Watch program. Also, “Family Data Sheets” will be available for completion by each household so that we can have the most up-to-date information necessary to watch out for you and your family.

After the Garage Sale, we will conduct a formal Neighborhood Watch Meeting at Alden Park, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. It will be a time to catch up on happenings in our community as well as to plan our events for the upcoming year. We’ll also have our famous and fun Raffle Ticket event, where everyone can enter to win a cool prize for the low, low price of $1.00 per raffle ticket. We hope to see you there!

Brothers in arms...

2008-01-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here are a few kind words of encouragement from a reader of our blog:

Hello-

As a Law Enforcement official here in the Midwest, I’m very impressed with the efforts of your organization. I just-so happened to come across your website, and I really like the design. Good luck on your efforts to thwart crime, and continue to motivate others to stay involved.

Lieutenant Troy R. Doyle DSN 2583
St. Louis County Police Department
7900 Forsyth Clayton, Mo. 63105
Office: 314.438.4604

Thanks, Lieutenant Doyle. Keep up the good work!

We're looking up

2008-01-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

Have you seen them?

Our Neighborhood Watch signs quietly went up this week, affirming for anyone who walks, peddles, or drives through our community that we're on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Thanks to your generous donations to-date, we were able to purchase five of these signs.

Want one closer to your own home? A donation of $25 will get you one. Make checks payable to "V.I.P.S." -- the Volunteers In Police Service program of Tracy, and mail them to: Alden Park Neighborhood Watch, P.O. Box 380, Tracy, CA 95378.

Be sure to indicate which electrical pole you'd like to see it on (use the PG&E number, posted high on the pole) and which direction (North, South, East, or West) it should face.

Rain, rain, go away...

2008-01-05T15:13:00.001-08:00

An open letter to the City of Tracy:

This weekend's series of rainstorms have been a true test of the repaving job done last Spring on the alleyways behind Sequoia Blvd. and Palm Circle. The City Planners, construction company, and everyone else involved are to be congratulated on the great job done in regrading and reconstructing the drains, curbs, and pavement around our homes.

The few weeks of construction in March through May 2007 were but a small inconvenience for the payoff we're now enjoying. Instead of the usual complaint that our tax dollars are going down the drain, one need only step outside their garage to see that it's not their money but the devastating rainwater heading into the sewers. Previous issues of flooding and cracked, worn asphalt are a thing of the past. The drainage system works perfectly.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Gamble on behalf of

The Alden Park Neighborhood Watch community

We've got a mailing address!

2008-01-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Alden Park Neighborhood Watch now has an active Post Office box for you to send traditional mail to. To correspond with us the old-fashioned way, write to:

Alden Park Neighborhood Watch

P.O. Box 380

Tracy, California 95378

For those in the neighborhood who you know don't have email or Internet access, pass it on! Let's stay connected.

Winter rains got you all wet?

2008-01-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

Just a few of the benefits of an older neighborhood like ours include all the tall, mature trees that stand throughout the landscape, and the sturdy, settled homes on the streets of our community. With age comes wear, however, and many of us are dealing with the results of the storms that ripped through the Alden Park area and drenched our houses this weekend.

Some merely have a few leaves, broken branches, and tree limbs to clean up, following the hurricane-force winds that whipped through here. Others may face having to remove a severely damaged tree before it weakens further and possibly falls down. One or two may even have a broken window to replace, while others simply have to locate a trashcan that blew down the street.

A final few, including yours truly, are having to contend with a larger issue such as roof repair, from replacing a few missing shingles or tiles, to patching, resealing, or replacing a larger section of their structure overhead. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home: it keeps you dry; it keeps you warm; it keeps you safe. When it comes to fixing something that important, you may want to seek the help of a professional. I know I am.

My roof began to leak last year, letting rainwater in through the ceiling of my living room when the occasional storm came through. A quick-fix tar patch seemed to hold it for a while, but the last rain in December showed me that it wouldn't be permanent. That's when I called around to get an expert assessment on what to do before the big rains hit.

I searched the Yellow Pages for someone local because I want to support Tracy businesses whenever I can. I'm a sucker for something that catches my attention, so I called a company with a cute name: Kanga Roof. (If "cute" didn't work out, I could always resort to the one with the big ad.)

I'm typing this in between the series of storms that are making news across the country, and the sun is shining for a moment. The good news is that I'm dry, and the leak has been contained by the professionals at Kanga Roof. They came out just hours before the first rainfall to do an inspection, make repair recommendations, and expertly wrap my roof in plastic to keep the water out this weekend before a more enduring solution could be put in place. They even checked up on me and came out once to re-tack the plastic that had loosened under the high winds yesterday.

Chris, Dann, and Shelley have been great. If you need any repair work on your roof, give them a call.

Kanga Roof, also formerly known as BetterBuilt Roofing, can be reached at 1-800-NEW-ROOF, or (209) 832-1500. They're here in Tracy at 320 W. Larch Rd., #7. Check out their website by clicking here: http://getbb.com/.

Signs of the times...

2008-01-01T15:45:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

To kick off 2008, I placed a call to the Tracy Police Department to order our first set of official neighborhood watch signs. With the contributions raised to-date, we've been able to purchase three of them, and I've donated enough to get two more.

On New Year's Eve, Officer Rose and I made the rounds to determine the best locations to hang the signs. Be on the lookout for our first five signs to go up along the periphery of Alden Park, on the following streetlight poles:

at the Alden Park entrance on Sequoia Blvd.

at the Alden Park entrance on Palm Circle

at the intersection of Sequoia Blvd./Palm Circle/Centre Court Drive/Cypress Drive

at the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Willow Way, and

at the intersection of Sequoia Blvd. and Beechnut Avenue.

The signs cost $25 each, so as we raise more money, we can add more signs throughout the neighborhood. We'll need some at Birch/Hickory, Hickory/Cottonwood, and Locust/Hickory. Other signs can go up closer to your own home if you want to make donation to cover the cost. And remember, we also have Neighborhood Watch Stickers available for your front windows at $2.00 each.

Christmas Crime Prevention Tips

2007-12-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

-- excerpted from Tracy Crime Prevention Officer

Irene Rose

With the holiday season upon us, now is a good time to remind people to take a few extra steps to make sure your Christmas isn't spoiled by criminals.

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centers as we rush around, and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the Big Day. We might also be more trusting and generous this time of year when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own "causes."

So what can we do?

Here are some crime prevention tips and advice applied to Christmas time:

Out Shopping

When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. Shop during less busy times if you can. Stay alert, and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. Keep them close to your body, in a front pocket (if you can), and don't carry too much cash. This also applies when you're out on crowded buses, BART, or trains.

If you have too many bags to carry around, you might not be as aware of anyone trying to steal from you. Make smaller shopping trips.

If you travel by car, be sure to park in well lit areas. Lock all doors and windows, and don't leave presents in view. Try not to return to your care to leave purchases in your trunk to continue shopping. Thieves often watch parking lots for just such a chance. Arrange to pick up heavy items from stores when you've finished all your shopping.

Keep you checkbook and your check card separately.

Out on the Town

With office parties and general holiday celebrations, bars, restaurants, and other venues are often crowded. Again, be wary of pickpockets. Don't leave bags or your purse over the back of your chair unattended. Stay alert. Be sure you've made arrangements on how to get home. Avoid any potential disturbances in the street, and stay with friends when you can. Walk in well-lit areas. Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be home.

Keep your cell phone charged, especially in cold weather which can drain batteries quicker. And don't drink too much. Intoxicated people are judgement-impaired and make easy targets for thieves and those who would wish to cause you harm.

At Home

Having bought all those wonderful presents, don't make it easy for someone to steal them from your home. Keep them out of sight until you plan to open them. If you "hide" larger items like bicycles in a shed or garage, be sure they care secure.

Video tape the things in your home. Take inventory. Write down serial numbers. Mark items with an identifying number like your driver's license number (never your Social Security number) or your name. Check to be sure you have adequate insurance on your property.

Collapse and dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside advertise all the new stuff you have inside.

If you leave the house, leave a few lights on (get a timer), or turn on the TV so it looks like someone's home. Close the curtains and blinds, even if you want the neighbors to see all your great decorations and your tree. As a fire precaution, turn off the inside Christmas lights (and the tree lights) while you're out.

If you're gone for a while, ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home. Take a plate of homemade cookies as a thank you. Don't forget to cancel newspapers and your mail delivery, or have that neighbor take your mail into the house or keep it for you until you get back.

Finally, be wary of strangers knocking at the door. Not everyone wants to sing you a Christmas carol. Check for uniformed delivery people. Ask for identification if you suspect someone isn't who they say they are. If someone asks for a charitable contribution, ask if you can send it in or route it from your bank rather than writing them a check.

Be safe and careful this holiday season. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Crime takes no holiday

2007-12-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of recent incidents of crime and other activity of note from the Tracy Police Log:

Wednesday, December 12
1:22 a.m.: A caller reported that 19- and 21-year-old men pulled a knife on the caller’s friends on the 900 block of Chestnut Avenue.

10:39 a.m.: Someone broke the front window of a home that’s supposed to be vacant, and busted glass was also found in the backyard on the 900 block of Chestnut Avenue.

8:38 p.m.: Someone stole a large bag of recyclables from a backyard on the 700 block of Sequoia Boulevard. The resident reported that the crime happened during daylight hours, with their large dog inside the house, barking, as the perpetrator(s) hopping over the back yard fence.

Tuesday, December 4
9:27 p.m.: A 12-year-old was reportedly in possession of drugs on the 800 block of Chestnut Avenue.

Wednesday, November 28
5:09 p.m.: A truck hit and injured a dog but did not stop on the 700 block of Sequoia Boulevard. Resident Kevin Carter filed this additional report: The truck that ran over the dog was white in color, large tires, four doors, lifted or 4-wheel, Blazer or Suburban. The vehicle was traveling very fast down the street. The dog ran into the street. The vehicle had time and space to move around the dog. The vehicle proceeded to run over the dog with both the front and rear passenger side tires. The vehicle did not stop, and it sounded like he/she accelerated after he/she ran over the dog. The dog did not die instantly; he suffered before succumbing to death.

Safe toys mean a safer holiday

2007-11-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, the toy industry recalled more than 22 million toys because of serious safety issues. Many of the products posed possible choking hazards, while some were outright deadly. The common denominator in all these items seems to be that they were all made in China, where labor is cheap and manufacturing costs are a fraction of what they'd be elsewhere.

Mattel, Inc. recalled 675,000 Barbie-related accessories due to high levels of lead in the paint used on them. Exposure to lead causes learning and behavior problems and even death.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled over 4 million units of "Aqua Dots" because the craft-kit dots, if ingested, broke down into a toxin similar to the "date-rape" drug.

And an additional 175,000 Curious George dolls made by Marvel Toys were recalled because of lead on the monkeys' cute plastic faces.

What can you do about all of this? Check out the CPSC website for the latest recalls at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/categor y/toy.html to know what toys to avoid this holiday season. And go toysmadeinamerica.com, a website created by a parent who single-handedly took up the charge to help you find USA-made toys.

Tracy Crime Stoppers offers Reward for details in Klent shooting

2007-11-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

as reported by Staff Writer Mike Martinez in the Tri-Valley Herald on 11/22/07; photo by Enrique Guiterrez of The Tracy Press:

Reward offered in Tracy homicide

42-year-old man was found shot in head on Sept. 9

All the family of Steven Klent wants is a little closure.

The 42-year-old San Leandro resident was found dead shortly before 10 a.m. on Sept. 9 in Alden Park with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head. Investigators are still seeking his killer.

Tracy Crime Stoppers has offered a reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of anyone involved in Klent's homicide. His death was the second of three this year in Tracy but the only one left unsolved. Investigators have spent much of their time chasing tips that have led them to the East Bay but nothing of significance has surfaced.

"We're still checking some leads, but anyone with information should contact us," Tracy police Detective Dean Hicks said. Klent was shot in the base of the skull with an exit wound on his left forehead and was found lying on his back in a pool of blood with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans, the autopsy report said. His younger sister, Suzanne Klent, read his body language, even in his death.

"When he was in trouble, or being reprimanded, he would be standing with his head down and hands in his pocket," Suzanne Klent said. "He probably got into an argument and (someone) blew him away."

She said her brother was "incredibly intelligent," except he didn't know how to put it to good use. She said he could make anyone laugh, even when he didn't feel like being funny. She also said he had a talent. "He was really able to get his personality across on the things he would write," she said. "We were camping in Mexico when he made up a story and acted it out inside the tent with a flashlight on. It was called 'It came from beneath the outhouse.'"

Suzanne Klent said her brother was "a troubled guy," who was good-hearted and helped a lot of people get off of drugs. Unfortunately, he couldn't help himself. According to court records, there was an active warrant for his arrest out of Sonoma County after Klent violated the terms of his contract with Project Intercept, a drug and crime prevention program in the county, a Sonoma County court clerk said. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat newspaper reported Klent was charged with one misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance in 1998 which led to his enrollment in the program. The warrant for his arrest was issued in October the same year.

As part of his autopsy, a blood screen detected "potentially toxic" levels of methamphetamines and amphetamines in his system. "Most kids from my generation smoked pot at some point," Suzanne Klent said. "My brother was clinically depressed and took a lot of time to get out of bed. I think the meth helped him be normal, whatever normal is. He had a lot of trouble with it. He wanted to do things his way and didn't like being told what to do. I don't know if he felt the world owed him or what."

Tracy Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization which provides police assistance by offering rewards of up to $1,000 in exchange for information, even from anonymous sources. Anyone with information about Steven Klent's murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 209-831-6847 or the Tracy Police Department at 209-831-4550.

Notes from the Tracy Police Log

2007-11-17T20:08:00.001-08:00

Here are a few of the reported incidents of crime in the Alden Park area in the last two months, as listed on the Tracy Police Log:

Monday, November 12

10:43 a.m.: Tracy police checked out a vacant house, where the front door was left open, on the 400 block of Sequoia Boulevard. Police found graffiti on the walls inside and also found a 1997 BMW, with its tires removed, in the garage.

Thursday, October 25

3:29 p.m.: A battalion chief in the fire department followed a hit-and-run driver who hit a car and took off near Lincoln Boulevard and Lowell Avenue. Police arrested the driver at a house on Palm Circle.

Monday, October 15

8:30 p.m.: Police went to the 1000 block of North Hickory Drive and cited one man after someone reported a group of men yelling that they had all kinds of drugs for sale.

Wednesday, October 10

9:07 p.m.: A woman reported people selling drugs near Sequoia Boulevard and Hickory Avenue.

It pays to keep our eyes open, especially during the holidays when there may be an increased amount of traffic (and those looking for crimes of opportunity) through our streets. Be sure to report any suspicious activity to the police department right away, and watch out for your neighbors so they'll watch out for you.

Turkey Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Holiday

2007-11-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’d like to pass on a few safety tips to help you get through the weeks ahead with little worry or incident. These tips have been compiled from the America Academy of Pediatrics, the National Safety Council, and the US Product Safety Commission.

Food and Cooking
The holidays often mean preparing large meals for family and friends. Wash hands, utensils, sink, and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry. Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.

Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.

Keep in mind that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook. For questions concerning holiday turkey preparation and cooking call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.

Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child's exploring hands.

Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same. To know (and teach your children) how long to wash, humming one chorus of "Happy Birthday" gives adequate sanitation in most circumstances.

Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.

Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered shallow containers (less than two inches deep) within two hours after cooking. Date the leftovers for future use.

Monitor your children's intake of holiday sweets. It's okay to let them indulge for a special occasion, but be sure to balance it out with healthier food choices the rest of the time.

Alcohol, Parties and Driving
Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home after a holiday party.

Stress and the Holidays
The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. You can't avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Allow enough time to shop rather than hurry through stores and parking lots. Only plan to do a reasonable number of errands. When shopping, make several trips out to the car to drop off packages rather than trying to carry too many items. Take time out for yourself. Relax, read, or enjoy your favorite hobby at your own pace.

Happy Visiting
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.

Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.

Keep a laminated list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include your pediatrician and the poison control center. and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222.

Ask your neighbor if he has a gun before sending your kids over to play. If the answer is yes, you need to make absolutely sure that all guns are stored unloaded and locked - ideally in a gun safe - with ammunition locked separately. Include the question along with other things you might normally discuss before sending your child to someone's house.

Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Sticking to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

With a little planning and common sense, you can be sure to make your Turkey Time safe and fun. Happy Thanksgiving from the Alden Park Neighborhood Watch!

Cinderella presides over Halloween Costume Parade today

2007-10-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween came early to the community of Alden Park as resident ghouls, gobblins, and the occasional little princess came out on Sunday, October 28th, to follow Cinderella around the park in our first-ever Costume Parade. Nearly 50 children arrived in costume, along with their parents, and played games, collected candy, got their faces painted, and admired each other's outfits.

See if you can find Obi-Wan Kenobi, Austin Powers, Strawberry Shortcake, SpongeBob Squarepants, a zebra, and a witch or two in these pictures from the event. Even a few of the neighborhood dogs came to the party dressed in their finest.

Ketchup and Mustard, Winnie the Pooh, and a unique cross between vampire-hunter Blade and the intrepid Indiana Jones also joined in the festivities.

With a preview like this, you can bet this Halloween is going to be great one! Thanks, Debbie DelDotto and friends, for organizing this wonderful event.

Tri-Valley Herald reports new details in Alden Park shooting

2007-10-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Mike Martinez, Staff Writer for the Tri-Valley Herald, has posted the latest information in the investigation of the murder of San Leandro resident Steven Klent, found dead in Alden Park on September 9th. The 42-year-old, who attended high school in Fremont, was killed by a single gunshot wound to the back of his head, according to a report by the San Joaquin County Coroners Office.

The report said he was shot in the base of the skull and had an exit wound on the left side of his forehead. He was found lying on his back, in a pool of blood, with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans, according to the report. He was identified by police through his fingerprints.

Investigators don't know how long Klent had been dead before he was found around 10 o'clock that morning, but their report noted that a second pool of blood collected a few feet away from his body at the base of a water fountain. Residents of the Alden Park area are befuddled by this little fact, as there is no "water fountain" anywhere in the park.

The report also noted that potentially toxic levels of methamphetamines and amphetamines were detected in his system by a blood screen.

According to court records, there was an active warrant for Klent's arrest in Sonoma County after he violated the terms of his contract with Project Intercept, a drug and crime prevention program in the county. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported Klent was charged with one misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance in 1998, which lead to his enrollment in the program. The warrant for his arrest was issued in October the same year.

Document searches list Klent as a Sonoma County resident until November 2000. A spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff's Department said Klent was in their custody in 2000 on theft and drug charges.

The Tri-Valley Herald article also noted that Steven Klent had two MySpace.com web pages and that he had written about creating the second one after someone "he trusted" had changed his password on the first.

"... of course, I can never trust this person again ... with anything. cant trust em with my stuff, in my house ... just plain cant trust em," he wrote. "... of course what I probably need to do is get these kinds of people out of my life. aint got room for anybody I cant trust."

Tracy investigators continue to try to find out why he was in the park and how long his body was there before being discovered. Several nearby residents reported hearing a single gunshot between 3 and 3:30 a.m. Tracy Police Detective Dean Hicks said investigators have been in the Bay Area working on the case since the beginning.

"It seems like every day we're there doing interviews and turning over every rock to see what we uncover," Hicks said. "We're still working on some leads that are taking us in a certain direction, but nothing we can talk about."

Within hours of the discovery of Mr. Klent's body, residents in the Alden Park community came together to form a neighborhood watch, which has been chronicled on this weblog.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Tracy Police Department at 209-831-6501. Mike Martinez can be reached at 209-832-3947 or at mmartinez@trivalleyherald.com.

Avoid the scares of Halloween with these Safety Tips

2007-10-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

This Halloween, take these few extra steps to make is a safe and sane time for all:

Help your child pick out or make a Costume that:

Is Fire Proof
Has large eye holes for good peripheral vision
Is brightly colored. (If the costume is dark, add reflective tape.)
Is easy to walk in without tripping.
Is warm enough in cooler weather. (Wear warm clothes underneath if it gets chilly on Halloween night.)

On Halloween, go Trick-or-Treating during daylight hours, and with a responsible adult. Plan a safe route. Set a time to return home.

Don’t cut through back alleys and fields. Be careful crossing the streets. Use the sidewalks, and stay on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Carry a flashlight.

WALK from house to house. Use sidewalks and walkways, and do not cross yards or lawns where unseen objects or terrain can cause you to trip. Stop only at familiar houses in your neighborhood unless accompanied by an adult.

Eat before going out so you’re less likely to snack on the candy you collect. Inspect all treats when you get home before eating it. When in doubt, throw it out.

Now’s the time to remind kids to NEVER go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Stay in groups. Be respectful of others. And have fun!

-- a message from the Tracy Police Department and your friends at the Neighborhood Watch

Keeping track of your stuff is easier with "StuffSafe"

2007-10-14T16:32:00.001-07:00

If you're a home owner or renter, a secure inventory of your possessions should be a big part of your theft or disaster recovery plan. Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your home owner insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.

Creating a home inventory can be a challenge. StuffSafe makes it easy by offering you. Check out this online service at http://stuffsafe.com/ or click here StuffSafe : Online Home Inventory Software

Watching out for your neighbor works...

2007-10-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Manteca neighbors help stop burglary
Police laud action as good example of how Neighborhood Watch works in Manteca

MANTECA — Local police have often said that perceptive neighbors are one of their best means of fighting crime. On Thursday, the alert reactions of some in a Manteca neighborhood helped nab four would-be burglars. Around 10:45 a.m. Manteca police received two separate calls from residents on Jasmine Hollow Drive reporting a burglary in progress, said Rex Osborn, a police spokesman. While the suspects were piling into a blue Ford Expedition, another neighbor took a digital picture of them and the vehicle, he said.

One caller told police dispatchers about the sound of glass breaking, while another reported four individuals walking out of a neighbor's house, said Sgt. Ralph Colin. Police patrolling in the area were able to locate the vehicle that matched a description of the one at the scene. The Expedition was reportedly followed onto Woodward Avenue by a witness, police said. The vehicle was stopped and the four people inside were arrested, Osborn said.

Police arrested Jose Bustamante, 24, Vicente Bustamante, 18, and two male juveniles ages 17 and 16, all of Stockton, on charges of burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime. They were taken to Juvenile Hall and the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp.

The case is an excellent example of how Neighborhood Watch works in Manteca, Osborn said, lauding the neighborsfor alerting police without putting themselves in harm's way. "Police can't be everywhere at once, but neighbors looking out for neighbors and alerting police if something doesn't seem right, helps create a crime-free community," Osborn said. The victim on Jasmine Hollow, who asked not to be identified, told police the she loves her neighbors and that is why her family chose to live in Manteca.

Community Garage Sale in Alden Park a BIG SUCCESS!

2007-10-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick 'thank you' to everyone who participated in our first-ever Community Garage Sale today! Many of you opened your yards or came down to Alden Park to sell your stuff and put a little extra jingle in your pockets. Now that it's over, what should you do with all that leftover stuff you didn't sell? Here are some good ideas:

Donate it to your local thrift store. You can help the needy with your old clothes.
The Animal Shelter could always use those extra towels, blankets, and throw-rugs for the dogs and cats there.
Perhaps the local library or school could use your used books.
Or the neighborhood doctor's office might want your old magazines, if you don't recycle them.

Be sure to get a receipt for your donation(s); you can write it off on your taxes if you itemize. If you just plan on just throwing it away, remember: Tracy's "Fall Clean Up Event" is Monday, October 22nd, so you could put out some of your leftovers at the curb with your garbage pickup that morning. "eWaste" like old computers, TVs, and cell phones, (and anything else with a battery) should disposed earlier on Saturday, October 20th, at 520 S. Tracy Blvd., from 9am to 1pm. Don't put it out with your regular garbage; dispose of it properly. Help save the planet and let the Tracy City-Wide garage sale theme "Make Every Day Earth Day" live on!

Alden Park Community Garage Sale to coincide with Tracy's city-wide event

2007-10-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Families in the Alden Park neighborhood are invited to participate in our first-ever Community Garage Sale on Saturday, October 13th, in Alden Park, from 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Here's your chance to get rid of some of that stuff that's been cluttering up your home and garage, to make a little extra money, and to support your Neighborhood Watch program.

It's also the time for the City of Tracy's City-Wide Garage Sale, which is happening on the same day, and we've registered our event so it will be listed in the City's maps and publications promoting the event under the theme "Make Every Day Earth Day." For more on the City-Wide Garage Sale, go to http://www.ci.tracy.ca.us/news/front-page/2007/10/08/city-wide-garage-sale/.

Each family will be able to "set up shop" in Alden Park. Just follow these simple rules:

Bring a Queen-Sized Sheet to the park with you, and check in at the Neighborhood Watch table. Your sheet will be used to mark your space in the Community Garage Sale. All items you wish to sell should fit on your sheet to allow your friends and neighbors space for their stuff, too.

If you have large items to sell, open your own garage or yard for the sale. This is the time to get to know each other and to enjoy your neighbors and community. By coordinating our event with the City-Wide Garage Sale, we should get a lot of foot-traffic.

There is a suggested $3.00 donation from each family that participates in the Community Garage Sale in Alden Park. This donation will help cover costs of our new Neighborhood Watch signs, which the City provides to us at a cost of $25 each.

So, start cleaning out that garage and those closets! See you on Saturday, October 13th!

Your own 4-legged house alarm system

2007-09-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

As I walked around the neighborhood today, passing out reminders for our upcoming Neighborhood Watch meeting (this Tuesday, October 2nd), I was greeted by the barks and growls of the many dogs we have here in the community.

I've been a dog lover all my life, and I can't imagine my life without one. My little Basenji/Min Pin mix, Ubu, made the rounds with me, and together we quickly affirmed what you probably already know: a dog, no matter what size, makes a great home security system, quick to alert you to something (or someone) amiss, and cheap to maintain with adequate food, water, and the occasional chew toy.

And rescue dogs, or those from the local animal shelter, are the best. What better way to protect your house and get some unconditional love in return?!

I'm adding a link to the Tracy Animal Control website, to help make adopting your new guard dog that much easier. This blog will also feature the Adoptable Pet of the week, and other links on the City of Tracy site can take you to other shelters in the area. Check it out!

Your Neighborhood Watch Block Captains

2007-09-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

At our September 13th meeting, you elected the folks who volunteered to be your Neighborhood Watch Block Captains. Here are their names and their phone numbers if you need to get in touch with them:

For Sequoia Boulevard:
Patricia Arrona… (209) 879-3299... Spanish calls welcome
Debbie Del Dotto… (209) 629-0259
Rita Madding… (209) 914-1983
Mike Shibley… (209) 832-8651

For Palm Circle:
Gabriela Cebreros… (209) 835-7798... Spanish calls welcome
Dustin Johnson & Elyse Najera… (209) 229-8297

Coordinator:

Jeff Gamble… (209) 833-0166

REMEMBER: In an emergency, call 911.

We still need volunteers for Chestnut Avenue/Cottonwood Avenue, Birch Drive, Hickory Avenue/Maple Court/Pine Court, Locust Drive, Cypress Drive, and Centre Court Drive. Drop us an email, or come see us at our next scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 2nd.

We can’t do it without you!

Mark your calendars for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 2

2007-09-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 13th, you and your neighbors began the important first steps in making Alden Park and our surrounding streets safer for all of us. Your Neighborhood Watch Block Captains have been working hard since then to plan our next series of events in the Alden Park area.

Come to our next meeting of the Neighborhood Watch on Tuesday, October 2nd, at 6:30pm, in Alden Park, and find out what’s in store!

Things to bring with you:

1. Your friends, neighbors, and family members
2. Your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on (unless you don’t mind standing)
3. Your completed “Family Data Sheet” if you got one at the last meeting. If not, we’ll have more for you on October 2nd. Each household should provide us with your basic information so we can help watch out for you and your family.
4. A few dollars. Each $1.00 donation buys you a Raffle Ticket for a fun prize that will be given out that night. Proceeds will go to cover copying expenses for our fliers and to pay for our “Neighborhood Watch” signs from the City.
5. A short list of things you want to see get better in the community.

On Tuesday, October 2nd, we’ll be announcing our plans for a Community Garage Sale (scheduled for Saturday, October 13th), and a pre-Halloween Costume Parade for the kids (scheduled for Sunday, October 28th). Come find out more!

Report Crimes with your Computer

2007-09-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Mike Shibley, Sequoia Boulevard resident and Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, wants you to know that you can report incidents of crime to the Tracy Police Department by making a report online through their "ePolicing" web site.

The City of Tracy website allows you to submit a report to the police for non-emergencies relating to:

Lost Property
Identity Theft
Vehicle Burglary
Vandalism
Theft
Harassing Phone Calls

Online reporting is right for you if this is NOT an emergency, the incident occurred within Tracy city limits, there are NO known suspects, and the incident DID NOT occur on a State freeway.

Go to Departments :: Police Department :: ePolicing for English and Departments :: Police Department :: ePolicing for Spanish to find out more and to make your report. Or check out our links on the side of the page.

Remember, if it's an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, Tracy's ePolicing might be the easiest way to go!

Thanks, Mike!

Taking our First Step

2007-09-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

You couldn't miss it. The interest in starting a Neighborhood Watch program for the community around Alden Park was amazing.

Over 150 residents, neighbors, and friends came out last night to "take back our park" and to get to know one another. More than 100 signed in on clipboards, providing us with the initial information necessary to begin our fight for a safer place to live.

"Our police department is going to be on this," said Tracy Mayor Brent Ives, addressing the crowd with Irene Rose of the Crime Prevention Unit, and two of Tracy's policemen. "I've asked the Chief today to put extra patrols around this area for the near term to make us feel better about things."

Nearby resident Tom Collins, security consultant for Protection One alarm services, also acknowledged the importance of everyone in the crowd. "Look around you," he said. "Get to know each other. Your neighbors should be your first contact in the event of a problem in your community."

Sequoia Blvd. residents Shelly and Jason Brown stepped up to help distribute the "Family Data Sheet," so that the police department and Neighborhood Watch volunteers could have a record of who lived in which house, and other important information about each of our neighbors so we can better look out for one another.

Some took the time to complete and turn in the forms as the evening went on. Others took them home to fill out later. Completed forms can be brought to our next meeting (Tuesday, October 2nd, at 6:30pm in Alden Park), or you can drop them in the mailbox at Neighborhood Watch chairman Jeff Gamble's house at 732 Sequoia Blvd. If you still need a "Family Data Form" for your household, please send an email with your name and address to WatchAldenPark@aol.com.

A number of neighbors volunteered to serve as Block Captains for our program. The job of the Block Captain is to help coordinate future events for our neighborhood and to serve as the communications link to all of the Alden Park residents on their street. The names and phone numbers of our Block Captains will be listed in a separate post.

Meanwhile, we're getting ready for our next set of actions. Our next meeting will be led by Irene Rose and will be held in the park on Tuesday, October 2nd, at 6:30pm. Other residents expressed interest in future neighborhood events like Block Parties and a Community Garage Sale at the park. Check back here and watch for signs and fliers announcing the details.

Also, be sure to check out our latest online poll and register your opinion. We'll start prioritizing the things you want to see improved in our community, and together, we can make them happen.

Finally, here are a few more pictures of your friends and neighbors who helped make our first Neighborhood Watch meeting a great success. Thank you all for your concern and your dedication to a safe community for all of us.

Our neighborhood watch begins...

2007-09-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other.

-- Millard Fuller

On Sunday, September 9th, a man named Steven Klent gave all of us in the Alden Park area (and some would say, in the entire city of Tracy) a quiet wake-up call. For those who don't know, Mr. Klent, a 42-year-old "East Bay" resident, was found in our small park around 9:30am by one of our own, dead from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Soon after, news of this tragedy had us huddled in small groups around the park, kept at bay by yellow police tape and a beavy of officers who began the task of unraveling the mystery of this man's death.

The few details that have come to light have been printed on the websites of The Tracy Press (http://www.tracypress.com/), ABC News 10 (http://www.news10.net/), and Recordnet.com. Whatever the circumstances, however, it would be foolish to let this apparent crime drive us back into our homes, too scared to do anything about it.

Some residents spoke of possible gunshots in the early morning hours while most of us slept. Some have said they completed their early-morning routine around the park with no notice of Mr. Klent's body. If you know anything about this incident, I urge you to contact the police and help them with their investigation.

I spent the better part of Monday, September 10th, making fliers and signs and, with the help of Kevin Metzger and my trusty dog Ubu, distributing them to more than 250 homes on the streets that converge on Alden Park. (Photo by Enrique Gutierrez/Used with permission of The Tracy Press)

These notices announced a planning meeting for a Neighborhood Watch program for our community. I have also contacted the City of Tracy's Crime Prevention Unit and enlisted their help and expertise in this matter.

We will hold our first community meeting to establish our Neighborhood Watch this Thursday, September 13th, from 6:00pm 'til dusk, at Alden Park. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your concern and suggestions on how we can make our community a better place.

It's too bad that it takes a tragedy like this to bring people together, but together, we can make sure that Steven Klent's death didn't go unnoticed. And out of this tragedy, those who remain may be better for it.

This blog will be used to keep you informed of upcoming Neighborhood Watch meetings, community events, and tips you can use to keep you and your family safe.